Al-Junaynah, September 22 (Darfur24)
The United Nations said it is ready to send a fact-finding mission to Sudan to investigate allegations of chemical weapons use, provided it receives an official mandate to conduct the investigation.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, told The National in New York that the organization was prepared to act if authorized, stressing the UN’s opposition to the use of chemical weapons under any circumstances.
The statement comes amid renewed reports and alleged evidence of chemical weapons use by the Sudanese Armed Forces, as the UN Security Council considers a US proposal to expand the existing arms embargo on Darfur to cover all of Sudan.
A UN fact-finding mission has previously reported that both sides in Sudan’s war have received weapons from foreign sources.
Dujarric also backed efforts to stop the flow of weapons into Sudan, saying the country “does not need more bombs and drones,” but peace and humanitarian assistance. He said the UN had identified countries supplying weapons to Sudan, as well as countries being used as transit points for arms shipments.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have been at war since April 2023, with the conflict causing widespread destruction, civilian deaths and economic devastation. Both sides have also been accused of serious violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes.
The UN said any investigation into alleged chemical weapons use would depend on securing the necessary authorization.